Broad-impact Tech Against AMR Threat

According to one of the most comprehensive studies of antimicrobial resistance AMR), 95 million deaths were associated with including 1.27 million deaths attributed to bacterial AMR in 20109.

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Forecasts show that by 2050, the Asia Pacific region will account for 47 per cent of AMRrelated deaths worldwide. Left unaddressed, AMRrelated costs in Asia are projected to rise from 550 billion to 700 billion by 2050, absorbing 0.8 per cent to 1 per cent of regional gross domestic product (GDP).

As the rapidly growing AMR threat transcends geography, economic status, and culture, we must find novel solutions that can be rapidly translated to commercial products for public health.

Singapore recognises the urgency of this AMR issue, with a robust suite of education, infection control, and research programmes implemented by local ministries and agencies responsible for human health, animal health, food and the environment.

AMR is a hidden pandemic’ that affects all forms of infectious disease: viruses, bacteria and parasites. These pathogens are all capable of developing resistance to vaccines and drugs, with the situation exacerbated by the overuse of antibiotics.

Novel, high-impact solutions: Top priority

Apart from preventing excessive use and misuse of antibiotics through shepherding and use restrictions, other tools for combating AMR include monitoring, diagnostics, therapeutics, and regulatory reform. However, according to a 2021 report by the World Health Organisation, the antimicrobial pipeline was described as stagnant and far from meeting global needs. COVID-19 made things worse by diverting research efforts and investor attention. It’s time now to refocus on developing adaptive solutions to combat AMR.

The AMR problem is not limited to a specific pathogen, so researchers need to focus efforts on developing convergent technologies and making fundamental mechanistic discoveries that can be broadly translated to all AMR pathogens, and ultimately to clinical studies and commercial products for the public.